Last year’s Dragon Ball Super: Broly theatrical film sees its home release today from FUNimation (somehow two months ahead of its impending Japanese release!). Stay tuned here at Kanzenshuu as we continue to cover the film and its various international releases, but in the meantime, check out these quick facts: it is everything you actually wanted to know about the North American home release!
What is Dragon Ball Super: Broly?
Dragon Ball Super: Broly is the latest high-profile Dragon Ball theatrical film. It hit Japanese theaters in wide release 14 December 2018, and directly follows the Dragon Ball Super series. The story, script, and character designs were directly handled by original Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama. The film revisits and reinterprets certain elements from a few specific older features from the 1990s into the current storyline, all the meanwhile introducing its own new plot points and character moments.
Who composed the music for this movie?
Norihito Sumitomo returns to score Dragon Ball Super: Broly. Sumitomo has previously composed for the Boo arc of Dragon Ball Kai, both the Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods and Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ theatrical films, as well as the entirety of the Dragon Ball Super television series.
This film looks different somehow. What’s up with that?
Whereas the animation for Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods, Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’, and the Dragon Ball Super television series was overseen by franchise stalwart Tadayoshi Yamamuro, this new film was used as a testbed and clean break for a new visual take on the franchise. Following a competitive audition, Naohiro Shintani was selected to provide and oversee this new visual direction, which included the animation supervision and adapted character designs.
How does Dragon Ball Super tie in with this movie’s story? Is it canonical to the anime or the manga?
Dragon Ball Super: Broly chronologically takes place after the end of the Tournament of Power in the Dragon Ball Super series, very briefly mentioning these events early in the feature. The film showcases certain elements that have thus far only been featured in the manga version of Dragon Ball Super, and notably does not feature certain elements that have thus far been exclusive to the television version of Dragon Ball Super.
What is “Dragon Ball Minus” and how does that relate to this film?
“Dragon Ball Minus” is a bonus chapter of Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball prequel series Jaco the Galactic Patrolman, and was included in the series’ collected edition released in 2014. The content of “Dragon Ball Minus” is adapted early in this film.
Is this release in English or Japanese?
As with pretty much all of FUNimation’s home releases since 2000, this release includes the original Japanese audio track (with accompanying English subtitle translations) along with the company’s own English dub.
Is a digital release available?
Yes. An FUNimation digital version is included with Blu-ray/DVD combo pack as well as the stand-alone DVD. The movie is also available on additional platforms such as iTunes.
Are there any differences between the theatrical version and the home release?
Unlike with Battle of Gods (and to some degree, Resurrection ‘F’, though its extra material never received a home release), there is currently no extended edition of Dragon Ball Super: Broly.
Does this release have a green tint?
FUNimation’s release does indeed appear to have a green tint to it that is not present in certain other sources, such as the UK’s streaming and upcoming home video release. Hover or tap the image below to compare.
My theater had awful audio. Is it even comprehensible here?
Something definitely happened with many folks’ theatrical screenings back in January. Feelings on audio mixes can be pretty subjective, but you’ll be able to understand what characters are saying and be able to hear the background music on this release.
Is Daichi Miura’s song “Blizzard” the original Japanese or English version?
Daichi Miura’s own English version of “Blizzard” is present in both the English dub as well as the original Japanese language track itself in this home video release. This trend of including the performer’s own English version even in the Japanese track began with the home video release of Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods, where FLOW’s English versions of “CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA” and “HERO ~Song of Hope~” were present in all audio tracks on FUNimation’s home video release.
Who provided the translation for the subtitles?
Long-time Dragon Ball fan and FUNimation translator for the franchise Steven J. “Daimao” Simmons is credited with the work.
I’ve heard about issues with the translation and subtitles. What’s up?
FUNimation’s home video release contains a disclaimer stating:
In accordance with the wishes of our Licensors, the English subtitle track features character spellings courtesy of Toei Animation. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we continually strive to preserve the artistic integrity of all our properties.
Much like Viz’s English translation of the Dragon Ball manga, Simmons’ subtitle track has never been especially beholden to name changes and spellings exclusive to FUNimation’s English dub; this includes name spellings for standard characters such as Kuririn and Tenshinhan, older movie characters such as Tullece and Broli himself, and newer characters such as Beers.
For the first time since 2000’s original “Captain Ginyu” DVDs, these name spellings have been altered in Simmons’ translation track, including “Beerus”, “Broly”, “Bulla”, and “Frieza”.
(As an aside, the spelling of “Beerus” is part of Kanzenshuu‘s own style guide, and was decided upon and put into use prior to FUNimation’s own adoption of the spelling.)
Are all of the audio tracks provided in 5.1 surround sound?
Both the original Japanese and English dub are indeed presented in Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround sound.
What types of releases are available?
A single-disc DVD/digital release, a two-disc DVD & Blu-ray (plus digital) combo pack, as well as a collector’s edition steelbook are available.
What kinds of special features are included?
- Interview with the Cast of Dragon Ball Super: Broly (18:07)
- Dragon Ball Super: The Legacy (4:29)
- Are You Smarter Than a Voice Actor? (5:12)
- Christopher R. Sabat Answers Your Questions (4:29)
- Ian Sinclair Answers Your Questions (2:49)
- Jason Douglas Answers Your Questions (2:51)
- Monica Rial Answers Your Questions (3:16)
- Seán Schemmel Answers Your Questions (3:23)
- Trailers (2:50)
Initial product listings included an entry for a “Vic Mignogna Answers Your Questions” bonus feature; this is not present on the final home video release.
What is different from the upcoming Japanese collector’s edition?
The Japanese collector’s edition, set for release this June, will contain its own set of video extras (including footage from its November 2018 premiere), pack-in bonuses such as a “Saiyan button badge set”, a 32-postcard set, an “original card folder”, a “deluxe 60-page booklet”, and more.
Are the end credits only provided in English?
Yes, the credits are exclusively written in English accompanied by the English version of Daichi Miura’s “Blizzard”. A full translation of the film’s entire credits is available in our “Movie Guide”.
Where can I purchase this home release?
Most retailers carry the movie. It is also available online from retailers such as Amazon.
I want to know more about this movie!
In addition to the respective page in our “Movie Guide“, check out our “Translations” section for everything you ever wanted to know about Dragon Ball Super: Broly!